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Ra’eese Aleem Challenges IBF Champion Angelo Leo For
World Featherweight World Title In Atlanta May 9
Salita Promotions will officially enter the Atlanta market
on May 9, 2026 bringing world championship boxing to one of
the country’s most culturally vibrant sports cities, as
reigning IBF World Featherweight World Champion Angelo “El
Chinito” Leo (26-1, 12 KO’s) makes his second title defense
against a rugged challenger Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (23-1,
12 KO’s) in a 12-round matchup at Gateway Center Arena.
The bout, presented in association with Manny Pacquiao
Promotions and Route 30 Promotions, headlines a high-stakes
fight card aimed at reestablishing Atlanta as a destination
for elite-level boxing. The event will stream live worldwide
on DAZN, at 8 p.m. Tickets on Sale This Friday 12PM on
Ticketmaster!
Leo enters as the reigning IBF champion, having reclaimed
his place at the top of the division with a statement
victory in his most recent outing. With proven experience at
the highest level, Leo is also perfectly comfortable working
off the back foot — moving, countering, and capitalizing on
mistakes. He brings composure, ring IQ, and a fan-friendly
style that has made him a respected and dangerous presence
across weight classes. Comfortable fighting on the road, he
now looks to defend his title against one of the division’s
hungriest challengers.
Leo, confident in his position atop the division, welcomes
the challenge.
“A champion fights whoever, wherever,” said Leo. “This is a
great opportunity for me to continue building my fan base. I
believe in myself, I’ve been doing this since I was eight
years old. Beating a top contender like Aleem solidifies
that I’m the best in the division. Fans are going to see on
May 9 that I have the ‘it factor.’ I’m an exciting fighter,
I wear my heart on my sleeve, and when I show up, I show up
to win.”
Aleem, the IBF’s No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger,
earned his title opportunity through a series of
disciplined, high-pressure performances that positioned him
at the top of the division. Known for perpetual motion and
stance-switching designed to disrupt any fighter's game
plan, Aleem looks to neutralize Leo as he steps into his
first world title fight with everything on the line. Aleem,
who has long been chasing this moment, made it clear his
focus is on leaving Atlanta as world champion.
“I’ve bled too much and shed too many tears to be satisfied
just being here,” said Aleem. “I’m coming to win this fight,
become world champion, and defend my title. “This isn’t
about getting the opportunity, it’s about taking it. I want
fans to walk away knowing Ra’eese ‘The Beast’ Aleem is the
best in the division, and the new world champion.”
“This is exactly what boxing needs, meaningful fights
between two elite competitors with everything on the line,”
said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “We’re
excited to enter the Atlanta market and work alongside great
partners, Manny Pacquiao and Route 30 Promotions, to deliver
a special night of championship boxing. Much like Detroit
and Puerto Rico, Atlanta is a true hotbed for talent,
entertainment, and sports culture, with a passionate fan
base that understands and celebrates the sport. Ra’eese
Aleem vs. Angelo Leo is exactly the kind of fight fans want
to see — a true 50–50 world championship matchup between two
elite fighters who both believe they will win. We’re proud
to bring a fight of this caliber to Gateway Center Arena on
May 9, live worldwide on DAZN.”
“Ra’eese earned his world title shot because he won the
fights that needed to be won,” said Hall of Famer Manny
Pacquiao, founder of Manny Pacquiao Promotions. “Those
victories made him the IBF’s number one contender and
mandatory challenger. That is a major reason why I started
MP Promotions — to fight for the Ra’eese Aleems of the world
who deserve their shot at a world title but don’t always get
it. MP Promotions is proud to represent Ra’eese. He may be
our first U.S. fighter to challenge for a world title, but I
feel he is a U.S. fighter with the heart of a Filipino who
will take the battle to Angelo Leo and take the title from
him.”
With championship stakes, contrasting styles, and two
fighters determined to prove they are the best in the
division, Aleem vs. Leo is shaping up to be one of the most
competitive and compelling fights of the year.
Additional undercard bouts and ticketing information will be
announced shortly.
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